Alligators are not ranked the highest on being the cuddliest animals. But they are one of the most fascinating and coolest animals out there. After all, these creatures have power behind their jaws. They showcase their agility in the water. No wonder tourists and locals alike are so drawn to learn more about them.
Are you looking for one of the coolest ways to view alligators? You should try going on an alligator tour or airboat ride. But first, you might want to learn some basic information about the alligators. This article will inform you how long alligators live. It will also provide you with reasons why you should go on an alligator tour in Florida.
Alligator Lifespan: How Long Do Alligators Live?
Alligators are carnivore creatures that hide in the thick marshland. Alligators that live in Florida usually eat insects, fish, snakes, and other mammals. As reptiles, these creatures are cold-blooded animals. It means that their body temperature is often regulated by the temp of their environment.
That’s why you can see them basking in the sun since they’re trying to regulate their body temperature. The body rates of alligators are usually slowed down during the winter months. This is to the point where they can no longer catch or digest food well. As such, alligators enter underground holes and remain dormant through the winter months.
American alligators live around 30 to 50 years in the wild. They even live up to 70 years in captivity. But some of them die much younger while others get to live much older. As they get older, these creatures find it harder to hunt. Moreover, they begin to need more food to survive due to their huge size. At a certain point, they are no longer able to feed themselves enough to sustain their metabolism. Then, they will die from starvation.
Wondering what is the world’s oldest alligator? It is at least 85 years old and named Muja. This American alligator lives at Belgrade Zoo in Serbia. He first arrived at the said zoo in 1937. He was already two years old at that time. Guinness World Records recorded Muja as the “Oldest living alligator in captivity.” On May 22, 2018, Muja was at least 80 years and 252 days old. In 2021, he was at least 85 years old.
According to studies, alligators can live much longer in captivity than in the wild. With a 20-year-old difference. One can expect wild alligators to live 30 to 50 years. While captive alligators live to 70 years or even older. But this does not mean that you should keep alligators as pets.
So, do alligators live longer than crocodiles? Studies show that most crocodiles live around 30 to 40 years. The larger species can live around 70 years. The oldest crocodiles lived over 100 years old. This is longer than any alligators recorded. This means the oldest crocodiles do live older than the oldest alligator on record.
After all, alligators are dangerous, wild animals. Not only do these creatures make terrible human companions. Alligators are also much happier in their natural habitat. But there are several alligators in captivity. This includes zoos and sanctuaries, places that are helping to rebuild their population.
Choose Your Favorite Alligator Tour
When you go on an alligator tour, you will learn plenty of fun facts about the American alligator. The captain of the airboat ride will share interesting things. These include how newborn alligators are only six to eight inches long when they hatch.
Apart from the alligators, you will also learn facts about their habitat. You will see the swamps up close and personal. You will also get the chance to see some of the rare creatures and plants in the area. Keep in mind that airboat tours and alligators go together like peas and carrots. So, if you plan on seeing the alligators, it is best that you do them on an airboat tour. Moreover, airboats are the safest way to see alligators in their natural environment.
For the best alligator tour, you might want to check out Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. It creates alligator tours that you and your family can enjoy. You will get to experience being up close and personal with real alligators. It is a great activity for friends and colleagues as well. It is also perfect if you plan to do something extraordinary on your own.
You can also opt to watch alligators’ shows, which the kids will love to experience. Swamp Fever has highly-trained professionals. This way, you can watch an alligator show without worrying about your safety. The children will have fun as they get to experience what they thought was impossible. So, instead of fearing alligators, the kids will appreciate the alligators even more. Swamp Fever uses well-maintained vessels for its airboat alligator tours. Its tour guide is also known as the most experienced captain in the area.
Another thing that made Swamp Fever tours great is its fast airboats. Its airboats could reach more than 50 miles per hour. This makes the alligator tour exciting yet safe at the same time. This way, you will have an amazing adventure. You won’t even be thinking if you will leave the tour unscathed.
Swamp Fever makes sure that you get value for money. So, if you’re running out of a weekend getaway idea, alligator tours are a good option. Swamp Fever makes sure that you get to see places that are unknown to many. You will even learn dozens of new information about wildlife as well.
Are you planning on going on an alligator tour for your next adventure? Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures can provide you with exciting alligator tours in Florida. We can create a memorable and fun experience that you will treasure for years. We offer airboat rides and swamp tours as well. You can call us at (352) 643 0708 or email us at ronandpam@swampfeverairboatadventures.com.